Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa departed for New York on Sunday to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, marking the first participation by a Syrian leader since 1967, according to a statement from the Syrian presidency.

This landmark visit signals Syria’s re-emergence on the global stage following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, ending the Baath Party’s 61-year rule.

During the UNGA session, President Sharaa is expected to engage in high-level discussions with heads of state and international delegations, focusing on Syria’s post-Assad reconstruction, regional stability, and the urgent need for humanitarian aid. A key priority for Sharaa is securing the permanent lifting of U.S. sanctions, which continue to cripple Syria’s economy despite recent easing measures. These sanctions, rooted in the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act targeting the Assad regime’s war crimes during the 14-year civil war, remain a contentious issue in U.S.-Syria relations.

Since assuming leadership of the transitional administration in January 2025, Sharaa has spearheaded political and economic reforms aimed at rebuilding a war-torn nation. His government has prioritized social cohesion, engaging diverse ethnic and religious communities to foster unity, while expanding diplomatic ties with regional powers like Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. These efforts have been met with cautious optimism internationally, though challenges persist, including the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees and addressing widespread infrastructure damage.U.S.-Syria Relations Post-Assad

The collapse of the Assad regime has prompted a cautious recalibration in U.S.-Syria relations. In early 2025, the U.S. State Department announced a partial suspension of sanctions to facilitate humanitarian aid and support Syria’s transitional government, a move welcomed by Sharaa’s administration. However, the Biden administration has maintained core punitive measures, citing the need for accountability for past atrocities and transparency in Syria’s reform process. In March 2025, U.S. officials held preliminary talks with Syrian representatives in Amman, Jordan, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and the safe return of refugees, though no formal agreement was reached.

Recent developments suggest a slow thaw. In July 2025, the U.S. approved $150 million in reconstruction aid through UN channels, earmarked for rebuilding schools and hospitals in liberated Syrian cities like Aleppo and Idlib. However, Syrian officials have criticized the U.S. for delays in fully lifting sanctions, arguing they hinder economic recovery and exacerbate poverty, with over 70% of Syrians living below the poverty line according to a September 2025 UN report. Sharaa is expected to raise this issue in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA, potentially with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to push for broader sanctions relief in exchange for guarantees of democratic reforms and human rights protections.

The Syrian delegation’s presence at the UNGA also aligns with growing international support for Syria’s reintegration. Turkey, a key backer of the anti-Assad opposition, has facilitated Syria’s outreach to Western capitals, while Russia—Assad’s former ally—has maintained a low profile in Syria’s new chapter, focusing on securing its military bases in Tartus and Latakia. Sharaa’s UNGA address, scheduled for September 24, is anticipated to emphasize Syria’s commitment to sovereignty, stability, and global cooperation, while appealing for investment to rebuild its economy.

As Syria navigates its post-Assad era, Sharaa’s historic UNGA participation underscores both the opportunities and challenges facing the nation. With the world watching, his diplomatic engagements in New York could pave the way for a new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations and Syria’s reintegration into the international community. (ILKHA)